Thread: Horrible First Shave!

So I picked up a cheap shaver from a beauty store with some double edged blades just to try it out and I looked like someone from spartacus after a major battle. I got nicked everywhere and I have to admit fellas its pushing me away from straights. Any advice.??

McB it would be a good idea to provide more information for the forum members. I assume your using a double edged razor. Could you let us know it's brand and the type of blades? Also, tell us about your preparation and technique. How did you prepare your beard for shaving? Did you use a shaving soap, cream, nothing? I'm sure others will want to know more as well. However, don't give up yet! Many are very happy with wet shaving and lots are willing to help you along.

As stated, you need to provide much more info here. Can't help you if you don't provide specifics...

Stop doing that!!

No but seriously, I'm not sure what kind of razor you got, but it doesn't sound terribly effective.

If you haven't done ALOT of research on technique ect on this site, do that first.
If you already have, try to get your hands on a shave-ready straight. It doesn't have to be expensive, just shave ready. I recommend googeling "The whipped Dog". Larry will set you up with an intro level straight for a good price. He also carries a serviceable intro level strop ect if you desire.

If you want a little bit nicer, have a look at the classifieds on this site. And for the love of god, stay away from Ebay until you know what you're doing. It'll save you some heartache!


Once your knowledge and equipment are squared away, then it's time to dive in and start damaging your face

Seriously though, most of us cut, nicked, razor burnt and otherwise mangled ourselves when we started out.
It's a journey, have fun with it!!

Try using a straight razor. A hair shaper is not a straight razor. I took a day off from work once and ate a turkey sandwich. It didn't cause me to criticize Thanksgiving dinner though.

I have to agree with afdavis you need to try a real straight or if you still don't want to jump all the way in the water you can get a Parker shavete or a similar version which are meant for facial shaving.

What you have was never intended to shave facial hair. I could see where you could of got that idea if you read some weck threads but the weck sextoblade and some other weck razors were first made as razors that barbers adapted to use while cutting hair. Later company's like weck started making the hair shapers specifically for hair cutting. What I am guessing you have is a fromm hair shaper which is even farther removed from a razor then early weck hair shapers.

Originally Posted by AFDavis11

Try using a straight razor. A hair shaper is not a straight razor. I took a day off from work once and ate a turkey sandwich. It didn't cause me to criticize Thanksgiving dinner though.

Plus 1+1+1!!!

Whether it’s a hair shaper or a ‘shavette’ it’s not the same as a Real Straight Razor!!!

With that said a straight razor can cause damage, but with time, and patience I believe that you will find shaving with a ‘true straight’ not only enjoyable but also give you Great Personable Satisfaction!!

Shaving with a straight has a huge learning curve and everyone has to go though the bumps in the road to success!

I figure that you could be setup with a beginner’s strop, razor, shaving brush/cup and soap for about $80!!

If you’re interested PM me and I’ll send you to the contacts to make that happen!!

Originally Posted by AFDavis11

Try using a straight razor. A hair shaper is not a straight razor. I took a day off from work once and ate a turkey sandwich. It didn't cause me to criticize Thanksgiving dinner though.

Absolutely. I would point you in the shavette direction, but I fear it would yield similar results. I agree with the others, pick up a real straight and give it a chance before coming to any conclusions.

Hey, McBride. My first shave was w/ a Fromm hair shaping razor. I came away looking like a Freddy Kruger movie. Yet w/ all the carnage, it seemed to come through that w/ proper gear - I thought I could do it. We still haven't heard if you were unwise like me - what you did for prep, what razor, what blade. Maybe its really not for you. But if you haven't invested enough to learn how its done - why would you be surprised w/ the result?

I suspect that a couple hours w/ another experienced member showing you how - would have a dramatic - and pleasant result. If you come near the Portland, OR area, I'd be happy to spend the time. 'Hope to hear of better results.

BTW, if this did indeed leave you w/ lots of nicks - its important not to shave over those nicks again or you'll just keep opening them and they'll take forever to heal. Some neosporin helps speed the healing and is great for skin. Let it heel - study technique here, have real gear & prep and I'll bet it turns out alot better. If you could use any help - you'll find guys here are insanely good at it and patient w/ noobs like me.